About The Position

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management, is hiring a Mineral Resources Inspector 2 for the Orphan Well Program. The position is headquartered at the Zaleski State Forest Office in Vinton County and services Athens, Fairfield, Hocking, Pickaway, Perry, Ross, and Vinton counties. The employee must physically reside in one of those counties or a contiguous county within 180 days of their first day of employment. The inspector independently investigates orphan well complaints and referrals, conducts field inspections and meetings, and monitors orphan and idle well projects. The role also involves evaluating contamination and restoration work and serving as a liaison with public officials. The position requires travel and fieldwork in remote, rough, and sometimes hazardous environments, including on-call availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is a permanent, full-time classified position with a stated schedule of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, subject to change. The starting rate is $28.76 per hour, with multiple increases over the first 5.5 years of service to an end salary of $38.01 per hour; cost-of-living adjustments may apply. Longevity pay supplements begin after five years of state service.

Requirements

  • Complete an undergraduate core program in a natural science, such as geology, chemistry, hydrology, biology, or agronomy, and have 12 months of natural-resources experience specializing in the assigned area, such as oil and gas.
  • Have one course or three months of experience in public relations or communications.
  • Have one course or three months of experience operating a personal computer.
  • Be able to provide own transportation and hold a valid driver's license.
  • Alternatively, have 12 months of experience as a Mineral Resources Inspector 1 in the assigned area, and be able to provide own transportation and hold a valid driver's license; or meet the equivalent minimum class qualifications.
  • Submit transcripts for coursework, degrees, or educational accomplishments claimed in the application.
  • Physically reside in a covered or contiguous county within 180 days of the first day of employment.
  • Successfully complete the required pre-appointment urinalysis; a verified positive result prevents an employment offer.
  • Undergo a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

  • Independently investigate orphan well complaints and complete referrals.
  • Interview parties and witnesses and gather records and documentation, including photographs, drilling data, cement records, electric logs, and hydrogen sulfide information.
  • Conduct on-site meetings with operators, engineers, contractors, and consultants to explain permit conditions and make policy and work recommendations.
  • Witness and monitor all phases of orphan and idle well projects, including approving plugging methods and overseeing plugging work.
  • Draft field orders and change orders for the orphan well program and track quantities.
  • Investigate and evaluate soil or water contamination and pollution.
  • Inspect and approve restoration of disturbed land areas.
  • Act as a liaison with local, county, state, and federal officials.

Benefits

  • Medical coverage.
  • Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
  • Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave, plus 11 paid holidays per year.
  • Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
  • Education and development opportunities, including employee development funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
  • Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS, and optional deferred compensation.
  • Potential cost-of-living adjustments and longevity pay supplements after five years of state service.
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